‘Overdue’ win for Portmore

Portmore United coach Phillip Williams says their win over Vere United in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) yesterday was long overdue.

Portmore United defeated Vere 2-0 to secure their first win in eight matches at the Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College.

Fitzroy Cummings’ own goal gave Portmore the lead in first half added time, and Lamar Walker sealed the win, in his second game back for the club, two minutes from time.

Williams said they have played well, and their matches have been close, but the players have not been able to secure the results they wanted in previous games.

“We got three points today, which is long overdue. Our games have been close and could have gone either way (on most occasions). But today, we ticked three boxes. We got goals, we got three points and a clean sheet,” he said.

In a tight game, the chances were very few. Stephen Young produced two good headers for Portmore early, but the first big chance fell to Vere in the 37th minute. Javier Brown was left free inside the box, but his shot deflected off Rudolph Austin’s hand for a corner. Appeals for a penalty were turned down.

However, the deadlock was broken in first half added time when Emelio Rousseau’s corner deflected off Cummings and past Rojae Williams in goal.

The second half was much the same as the first, with both teams creating very little in terms of chances.

However, Portmore added another late goal when Walker turned home Alex Marshall’s shot from four yards.

“We knew it would have been a difficult game,” added Williams.

“Vere are a very mean team in terms of giving up goals. So we knew it would have been difficult to break them down.

“We asked the guys to be consistent and be patient and the goals will come and they did come.”

Vere coach Linval Dixon said they turned over the ball too easily and never settled in the game.

However, he thinks his team is lacking confidence at this stage.

“I think confidence is the main reason behind it (performance). We haven’t really showed a lot of confidence, and it is something we have to work on because we had the same problem in the last game.

“Today we missed (Lamard) Neil in the midfield. He would have given us that extra pass and confidence.

“But when we lose people, other players have to step up and do a job,” he said.

Portmore remain in eighth but join Waterhouse on 21 points while Vere stayed 12th with 14 points but slipped two points behind Molynes in 11th place. Mount Pleasant lead the league with 35 points with Cavalier second on 32. Arnett Gardens are third with 30.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Other results

Mount Pleasant 2 Tivoli 0

Montego Bay 2 Molynes 2

Faulkland 0 Humble Lion 0

Today’s games

5 p.m: Harbour Viewvs Dunbeholden

7:30 p.m: Arnett Gardens vs Waterhouse

Both matches will be played at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex